ANZSI Indexing Awards

The John Simkin Medal

John Simkin, by Joyce McGrath. State Library of Victoria collection.

ANZSI offers a Medal for an outstanding index to a book or periodical compiled in Australia or New Zealand. The John Simkin Medal, previously known as the ANZSI Medal, has since 2014 been named in honour of John Simkin, one of the founding members of the Society. John promoted the ideals of indexes and indexing throughout his 40-year association with the Society, so it is with pleasure we acknowledge his enormous contribution to indexing.

The award is offered biennially, but not necessarily awarded. Judges may decide that no entry merits award of the Medal. To be eligible for nomination for the award, an index must be in print and must have been first published no longer than three years prior to the year in which the award is made. The index must have been compiled in Australia or New Zealand even though the text to which it refers may have originated elsewhere.

The judging panel comprises experienced indexers and editors. More than one medal may be awarded when two or more indexes are judged to be outstanding, or no award may be made. The Medal and a certificate are presented to the indexer and the publisher receives a certificate. Judges may also recommend the award of one or more ‘Highly Commended’ certificates but are not compelled to do so.

For the award, indexes are judged at the level of outstanding professional achievement, thus sufficient material is required, both in quality and quantity, for appraisal. The index should be substantial in size, the subject matter should be complex, and the language, form and structure of the index should demonstrate the indexer’s expertise as well as serving the needs of the text and the reader.

Publishers, indexers and all interested persons may nominate indexes which meet the criteria, and which they regard as worthy of consideration. Indexers are encouraged to nominate their own works.